davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
Stories of Pretty Poll.
Popular Science MONTHLY.

An English paper publishes a number
of interesting and some amusing parrot
stories. One of them might help to Illus
trate the proverb, "When the cats away,
the mice will play" A young couple went
away from home for some weeks, leaving
the house in charge of the servants and a
parrot. After their ruturn the parrot
would repeat, from time to time, Lets
have another bottle, there's no one here
to know" accompanying it's words with
the sound of the appropriate "plopr'
Another story is not unlike it. A York
shire gentleman had fever, and his par
rot was taken from the dining room to
the kitchen. During its abode there Of
several weeks it stole the raisins intend
ed for a plum pudding. The cook in
anger threw some hot grease at it and
scalded its head. When the master got
better the parrots cage was taken up
stairs again, ard the bird, seeing the
gentieman's newly shaven head, said
slowy:
"You bald-headed ruffian, so you stole
the cooks plumsr'
Some cf the stories may throw light on
the question whether or not the parrot
adapts its remarks to the circumstances
L
potatoes except when dinner was on the
table, and never said, ooh, you are a
beauty" except to a child.
Dean Stanley, when canon of Canter-
bury, had parrot which, one morning
at breakfast time, got mp into tree and
attracted the attention Of all the servants,
who gathered around it. The canon then
came out, when the parrot looked DOWN
at him AMI said in a low but distinct
voice, exactly like SANKEY'S, "Let US
pray" 1t was evidently reminded of the
assembling of the servants at morning
prayers.
A gray parrot was stationed in a nurs-
cry, where his greatest delight was to
see the baby batheh. The child becom-
ing sick, the parrot was sent to the kitch-
en-. There. after time, he set up ter
rible cry, "The baby, the dear baby" All
the family rushed down to find the par
rot, in the widest excitement, watching
the roasting Of a sucking pig.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24

bills. The committee rose and reported
to the house when the assembly adj
journed.
FRIDAY. FEBRUARY Is.
Seaate.-The following bills were intro
duced: By Mr.. Pond, to provide for the
publication and distribution of the sec
ond volume of the rosters of Wisconsin
volunteers. Mr.. Buckstaff, to establish
municipal court in the city of Oshkosh
and defining the powers and jurisdictions
thereof. Mr.. Schofield, to authorize the
town of Marinette to join with the muni-
cipalites of Michigan in the construction
of bridge across the Menominee river.
Mr.. James, to appropriate $1,000 annu-
ally to the Woman's Relief corps of Wis
consin TO be distributed for charitable
purposes among the families of depend
ent soldiers. Adjourned till Monday
morning.
House-The following are among the
bills introduced: By Mr.. Taylor to create
the second and third municipal courts for
Barron county; also, providing that the
school fund income be distributed to
schools which have been maintained for
period of six months insteado of Eve, an
nually. Mr.. Luchsinger appropriating
not to exceed $4,000 annually to prevent
the spread of Asiatic cholera or other
dangerous contagious diseases, and ex-
tending the powers of the state board of
health. Mr.. Brigham, to prevent debtors
from giving preferences. and to secure
the equal distribution of their property
among creditors; also to repeal the law
authorizing the city Of Milwaukee to do
nate school sites in certain cases.
By MIR. Hall, to provide for the more
efficient collection of taxes due fire de-
partments: also to amend the charter of
the city of Amigo BY Mr.. Challoner,
making appropriations to numerous ag-
ricultural societies of the state. BY Mr..
Cantwell, making the maximum rate of
interest per cent. The following bills
passed the house: Relating to the de-
structiOn of noxiOus weeds. Authorizing
the city of Beloit TO construct bridge
across Rock river. Authorizing certain
insurance companies to determine the
length of their terms officers.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
MRS CLEVELANU'S RECEPTION.
The Last OF the Series and the Largest of the
Kind Ever Held.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19.-Mrs. Cleveland
had her last public reception this after
noon and it was attended by more people
than any similar event at the white house.
The crowd was composed mainly of ladies
and its number was estimated at 10000.
Members of social excursion parties
from Baltimore, Brooklyn and other
places helped to swell the throug. The
people began to assemble at the white
house hours before the time set for the
opening of the doors. The re-
ceptiOn began at 3 O'Clock and
lasted til 5. At 2;30 o'clock the crowd in
front of the house extended in line, six
abreast, from the main doorway through
the grounds, out at the west gate and
east along Pennsylvania avenue az far as
Fifteenth street, distance of more than
three city blocks. Constant accessions
were received from all directions and the
line became SO dense that several ladies
tainted and had to be carried away. When
the doors were finally opened those
who entered first had been standing on
the white house porch for at least two
hours. After paying their respects to
Mrs. Cleveland and the ladies who assist
ed her-Miss Cleveland, Mrs. Folsom, Miss
Endicott and Miss Lanar-the people
to admire the beautiful decora-
lions of the parlors, and as consequence
the house soon became uncomfortably
crowded and locomotion slow and diff
cult It therefore became absolutely
necessary to close the doors at exactly
o'clock and turn away many hundreds of
ladies who had taken places at the end of
the line as soon as 1t began to move.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
Gone to Canada.

ALBUQUERQUE, Feb. E16.-The inves-
tlgatlon of the sheriff's books of this
county since the new sheriff has been in
office has developed an astonishing
amount Of discrepancy in the accounts
of the ex-deputy sheriff, and it is now
supposed he is III Denver, but possibly
In Canada, and the defalcation is thought
to reach $4,000. Ex-Sheriff Boya prom
ises to make all good. Auben's plan
was to pocket taxes in numerous cases,
give receipts and return the tax payer as
DELINQUENT.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
PATENTED RAILROAD LANDS.
The c. B. & O., Must Show Reasons why they
should not he Forfeited

Should not he Forfeited
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19.-The secretary
of the interior has notified the Chicago;
Burlington & Quincy railroad company
that it will be allowed 60 days, within
which to show cause why legal proceed
ings should not be instituted to recover
the lands patented to the Burlington and
Missouri River r. R. Co., In Nebraska in
excess of the quantity TO which
it is entitled and further to show cause
why the companys selection of such
tracts north of its line of defininite loca
ton, both inside and outside of the TWEEN
ty-mile limits as have not been patented,
shou not be cancelled, and said tracts.
together with those in the twenty-mile
limits north of the line still withdrawn,
but not selected for its grant be restored
to settlement and entry. It is estimated
that over 100000 acres are invalid.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
The Interstate Commerce Bill.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.-A good deal of
interest is manifested here regarding the
interpretations to be put on the new in
ter-state scommerce law. Word comes
that some of the railroad companies are
already suspending the free passes and
preparing in other ways TO make marked
changes In their management. There are
a good many points on which there are
disagreements as to the scope of the law,
and it is probable that the first
thing that will be done will be to
raise a test case in the courts so as to
bring about the constitutionality of the
bill. The greatest diversity of opinion
prevails among railroad men and lawyers
as to the effect of the clause with refer
ence to long and short hauls.
The gas well at Lancaster, Pa, is re-
ported by the s.ete geologist to VI eld 75,-
900 cubic feet tally.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24
An Important Matter.
Omaha World.

Little Dot-Mamma, Dick is kissing
me.
Mamma-Tm glad he likes you so well
dear.
''But it isn't wight
"Oh, it don't matter pet. What makes
you think it isn't right?"
'"Cause nurse told papa so.n
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24

A Boston paper speaks Of san emil
neut New England horse trader" and it
looks as if the day had come when s'the
honorable rag dealer" might hold up his
head in society.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24

Several lawsuits for damages have been
entered against the Burlington railroad
company. on account of the recent fatal
accident to sleighing party at Nelson.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24

How a Rumor of His Resurrection Got Abroad
in Utah-An Advance Agent for q, Patent
Coffin Finds 1t Profitable to Use the Biga-
mist-s Name
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-02-24

bills. The committee rose and reported
to the house when the assembly ad-
journed.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
Probabilities of the Graphophons

The graphophone is the developed phono-
graph. The scientific work has been done by
Mr.. Graham Bells partner, Mr.. Taintor.
The machines work very prettily You can
have your utterances taken down, mailed to
your friends in Europe, and reproduced with
the utmost precision You can laugh, whistle,
or cry. and then roll up your laughter. your
whistled tune. or your sad meanings, and ship
them to the uttermost parts OF the earth.
You can dictate your letters by the score, and
have them slowly dictated over again by the
blessed little piece Of clockwork to the girl
who manipulates your typewriter. You.
dear Mr.. Editor. can send one down to the
front pew in Trinity church and catch every
one of the 80 words which Phillips Brooks
utters each minute in addressing his congre-
CATION. By the sid of this apparatus the
voices of men and women can he eTnIalmed
with all the success that attended the preser-
Walton of the boiy and features of Rame-ses of
old. 1t is believed that there is enough solid
utility in the now perfected machine 70 make
it worth several millions of dollars 70 the
owners thereof, and they are providing
themselves with safety deposit facilities ae-
cordingly. ashington Cor. Boston Herald.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28

To catch up a bottle of perfume and dab
the stopper at ones upper lip, believe is a
popular trick with many women l know.
I've seen lots of women do it, and did it nv
self till the other night starting to see Lang
try did that trick in dark room and have
quit it altogether. You see | ran back for a
glove buttoner, and prowling over the dress
ing case struck the glass stopper of bottle
of cherry blossom, caught it up and snooched
it across my upper lip and gave two little
dabs behind my ears SO my neighbors should
have smell. 'Tisn't cherry blossom after
all, thought l; it's the white rose extract-all
the same. And pranced down and Joined
my party. We had got into car when some
one said, Good mercy, what have you got on
your face!'
'The usual amount of powder, ! suppose
l replied aggressively.
-Why, you've got dark purple mustache."
Great heaven, it broke on pe in a minute.
That nasty bottle of scented ink, that N.Y.
self had carelessly left on the dressing bureau.
There was no Langtry for me that night.
Ninety-six washings only weakened the stain.
Sand paper and pumice stone have removed
some of my lip Il always had enough, but
its 50 dark now. ten days ago il happened.
that folks say to me, ''you must stop using
that vaseline: You certainly are getting a
mustache;" and just behind my ears are two
spots that look as if modification had taken
place-New York Cor New Orleans Times
Democrat
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
DANGER FROM COAL DUST.
Fire Damp No Longer the Main Source
of Peril in Coal Mines.

Fire Damp No Longer the Main Source
of Peril in Coal Mines.
The imprisonment of 100 miners in burn
ing coal pit on Nancouver's Island is one OF
long series of similar disasters. When the
safety lamp was invented in England many
years ago it was universally considered sure
preventive of explosions from fire damp or
coal gas, by which thousands of miners had
been killed. The frequency OF explosions In
England, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, when
the safety lamp is in general use indicates
that there are other dangers which have not
been guarded against. There has not been a
year since the Introduction of that lamp
when there have not been Gs many as hfty
or sixty mining explosions in Great Britain
alone, and the average loss of life from TINS
cause in all parts Of the world has ranged
between 700 and 200 annually. Fire damp
or coal gas is no longer the main source OF
peril; and scientific experts have been IN
vestigating the subject for fifty years with
out agreeing upon the common cause OF fatal
calamities like the one in British Columbia
The closest approach to solution OF the
mystery in England is made i'll the reports
of the Atkinsons inspectors of mines III the
northern counties Their theory is that the
chief explosive substance in collieries Is coal
dust
The reports of these experts, as we find
them summarized in the current number OF
Science bear evidence of thorough investi-
cation of recent explosions in the north OF
England. TIER main conclusion Is that dust
explosions are far more common in coal mines
than gas explosions. The most serious feature
of these dust explosions is the fact that they
occur without warning and always near the
shafts, thus preventing escape from any par
of the mine
Coal dust is not largely present in the at
mosphere of mines, but is accumulated along
the roads or intake airways, through which
coal is hauled 1t abounds wherever coal Is
drawn at high rate of speed or by engine
power. 1t is ordinarily quiescent, but may be
set in motion by the conclusion of a remote
blast as well as by the rapid passage OF cars;
and it is at all times highly infammable when
fine, SCOT like and dry When the explosion
takes place there is ordinarily little force at
the point Of origin, but when once initiated 1t
is self propagating and rapidly increases IN
violence, a wave of air filling the air IN the
roads with dust and flame following instantly
into compressed air charged with iniiaulnable
material-New York Tribune
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
A Hideous Beast.

Ii is melancholy fact, but none the less
true. that the walrus is one OF the most dis
gushing looking objects known to man 1t
has a raw naked hide, without hair or fur,
covered with multitude Of pustular looking
warts, boils and pimples, the SKIN wrinkled
in deep, fabby folds, and marked by dark
venous lines, which show clearly through the
yeIlowish brown cuticle, which seems 10 BE
peeling of with leprosy; altogether most
unwholesome looking brute, unpleasansiy
suggesting the appearance we know a.
sbloateG7
They are of trs uendous size. zen feet and
half TO twelve feet long. and weighing fifteen
or sixteen hundred pounds In water their
motions are not nearly 50 quiet or graceful 81
those of the seal or SEA lion, and on land they
are almost helpless, for which reason tney
rarely come outside the surf wash They go
about III large herds, which now and then
emerge TO sleep Firs: one lands and lays II
self out, and then q second comes and gives
its predecessor shove, whereupon be moves
a little farther up; then comes number three,
who pokes up number two, who prods NUM-
Der one, and 30 on TIL the whole herd has gos
to land each brute pIllowed on the body OF
the one above hinl, all without qnarreiiEg,
but every movement displaying apathy and
phlegTn- Its most extraordinary feature u
its hide. which over the shoulders and down
the throat and chest is three inches tnick, and
Is nowhere less than half an fncn--Au tee
C--- pru-.s
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
Chicago Grain and Provisions.

CHICAGO July
The Bulls were again in Tn ascendency VITA the
opening of t-e board to-day. September wheat
opened fully Yc higher at l5sc aad iuctuated rep
idly bntween rs and 7lSlc for some minutes. Light
receipts hot, CRY weather in some districts and too
much rain in Dakata exerted STRENGTHENING fnfiu-
ence. After selling freely at l0, September gravi
tatsd down to 1l1@ s9sc. AS thee 'eason ad 'anced
it developed nothing whatever in the way Of inter
est in newe. The mar ket for . time was firmly heid
up to 1l5Sc but the advances were invariab fol
lowed bs tract onal reactions, Halt an hour before
the close September whea stood at 7l5S but after
that there very general local selling which re
suited disasrovsly only TO prices. Sedtember wheat
fell to 7lhs@714c clos ng at that figure.
Corn was moderately active and a fair trade was
reported. The Seather continues dry in many sec
lions and in others reports quite rsble Sep
TENDER opened Yc higher at 3514c was firm for
a time and then became easier on tncreas ID ofnr-
ings and upon reports OF rain in some parts OF Hi
nos decliaed [, S65sG3619c, the closing figure
Oats, in sympathy with other mardets. opened
at quite sharp figure, September being quoted at IS
better. at 2514c.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
Their Mission.

DETROIT, July 27.-Fscts which have
come to the knowledge of the Free Press
within the past few days show that the
present trip of General Alger. Chauncy n.
Depew and Henry B. Ledyard to Europe
involves a railroad scheme of the first
magnitude Their trip is for the sole pur
pose of placing $1,000, 600 of bonds of
the new Transcontinental road with
English capitalists. Ii is designed TO
build entirely new line from the
straits of Mackinaw and Duluth, running
midway between the consolidated Duluth,
South Shore & Western and Chicago Il
Northwestern roads, which now start at
the southern boundary of the upper Michi
gan peninsula and partly completed The
Minneapolis, Sault s.. Marie & Atlantic
road will traverse one of the richest timber
and mineral districts In the world and be
sufficiently remote from parallel lines to
enjoy profitable locsl traffic.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
ADDITIONAL TELEGRAPH
OHIO REPUBLICANS.
Concluded from FIRST Page.l

At II o'clock the committee on resolu-
ton passed the first Sherman resolution,
the one absolutely and unqualifiedly en-
dorsing Senator Sherman for the presl-
dency, by vote of IS to 3, which was
afterward made unanimous.
The platform reaffirms the Dow law and
fayors such additions thereto as seem TO be
demanded by the enlightened spirit OF the
age. 1t takes strong protective ground re-
garding the tariff and is emphatic In its
condensation of the importation OF foreign
contract labor. 1t condemns the Demo
cratic party of Ohio in strong terms on
their points and takes the usual Republl-
can DOsitiOn
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
SPORTING POINTS,
SARATOGA Races.

SARATOGA, n. Y, July 27.-The
weather was very fine, attendance large and
track in very good condition.
First race, purse $4OO-Swift won, with
Harry Russell second and Gallatin third.
Harry Russell led for over three quarters
of mile, when Swift rushed to the front
and held the lead TO the finish. Time
Lar.
Second race, Alabama stakes, for B
year-old fillies, one mile and furlong-
Grisett won, Flageoletta second and Flori-
more third
Third race, handicap, sweepstakes, for
all ages, one mile and half furlong--
Wahoo won, HARDWOOD second and Lewis
Clark third Time 1:54 2.
Fourth race, 2year-olds, three quarters
of mile-Ritta won, with Kermesse sec
ond and King Girls third. Time 1:19 1 2.
Fifth race, handicap. steeple chase,
about two miles and quarter-Abraham
won, with Whitley second and Beechmore
third Time 4:31
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
A Story Flatly Denied.

BUFFALO, July 27-The story of w. j..
Manning, the soldier who told about bis
cruel treatment while in the military prison
at Fit. Leavenworth, and claimed to be a
son of ex Mayor John B. Manning of Buf
falo. and nephew of eX-Secretary Man
ming, is strongly denied here.
So far back as January last he wrote
letters to Secretary Manning, brother OF
John B. Manning, in which he claimed to
be his nephew, and asking him TO exert
his influence at Washington to procure his
pardon. This was while he was under ar
rest at Fort LeavenwOrth for desertion. He
els ned that he was student at Dever-
eaux college, from which institution he
had run away in freak of bOyish fancy to
New York, where he had enlisted in the
regular army. Secretary Manning at once
wrote to his brother in this city, cOmmiser-
ated with him over his sons misfortune,
and promised to lend his assistance in
Strengthening out the matter.
1t is needless to say that when Mr.. Man
ming received the letter he was astonished.
He went home counted noses in his family
circle and found none missing. lie then
sat down and wrote letter TO his brother
denying any responsibility of the young
mans paternity and thought that the matter
was ended Now that the young man has
again asserted his claims in SO public
manner, the family wish the matter contra
dicted at once for ALL Mr.. Manning is at
present out of the city, but his son, John
Manning, Jr, gave the statement. He
said:
This fellow is evidently posted on our
family. | have a brother William II.
Manning, not William j., who has been
constant student at Deveraeux college for
some time past. He has never left the in
stitution TO my knowledge since he entered.
We have not the slightest idea who the i'm
poster is We had young fellow clerk
ing for us at the Monte Eagle house at Sus-
pension bridge who embezzled sum OF
money from US and left. He was well
dressed and plausible chap, and we think
il NAV turn out to be he.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
Ball and Bat.
The Arkansas ay.

LITTLE Rock, ARK, July 27.-The
Gazette's Hardy, Ark, special says; On
the night of the 9th instant in this county
a party composed of men and women went
to the home of Miss Morgan, who had
another woman living with her, took them
to the woods and whipped and beat them
in shameful manner 1t is reported that
one of the leaders of the gang took Miss
Morgan apart from the rest OF the crowd
and forced her at the muzzle of pistol to
submit to his carnal lust.
Ned Mazee, colored, and John Daily,
two of the gang, have been arrested and
sent to jail. Thos. McCurley gave bond.
Some others were arrested but cleared.
Mrs. Sam Hellet, Bob Eanes and the two
Eanes are known to haye been in the crowd
but made their escape. The only excuse
the party gave for the act was that Miss
Morgan and companion were accused OF
being women of easy virtue.
Wichita eagle., 1887-07-28
A Short Settlement.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, July 27-A
double tragedy occurred here this morning.
Chas. J. Weinar, late agent of the Metro
politan Insurance Co., and living at Pat
terson, n. j., had a dispute with Mrs.
Susan Bonfaly, his landlady, about an I'M
paid board bill. Weinar drew Il revolver
and fired, the bullet passing through Mrs.
Bonfaly's brain, killing her instantly, then
shot himself dead. Mrs. Bonfaly was a
widow. Weinar leaves wife and family
at Patterson, whittier he was about to re.
fnrFe